Bluetooth Phone as remote: Activation required?

I can't find any info on this in the forums...
I'm looking for a cheap bluetooth remote for my powerbook. My plan was to buy a non-activated bluetooth phone from craigslist or ebay. Anyone know if activation would be required to use that phone as a remote?
thanks!
Also, any suggestions about which phones to look for?

I can't find any info on this in the forums...
I'm looking for a cheap bluetooth remote for my powerbook. My plan was to buy a non-activated bluetooth phone from craigslist or ebay. Anyone know if activation would be required to use that phone as a remote?
thanks!

Click to expand...

I can't imagine activation would be required. BT should work separate from the service. I would recommend Sony-Ericsson if you just want it for a remote. The best would be the k700i because it has an HID which allows for an actual remote interface. That model isn't really cheap, however.

You should be able to use it as a remote. All you will probably have to do is find a SIM card. Even a blank one will do. I used to put a blank sim in my t68i to use bluetooth features. As for getting a SIM card, that is up to you. I don't know if Cingular (or any other phone company) will hand one to you, although they are pretty useless without their activation so they might.

Thanks...I'm familiar with that usage of HID...but every cell phone has an HID. What's special about the K700i, though? It isn't touch sensitive, is it? Is it that it has a built-in remote control program? I'm under the impression that some Sony-Ericssons do.

P.S. #1...I suppose there are no super-cheap BT PDAs available out there, but a touch screen would be gangsta' for this application.

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.